Paraeducator Survey

A Quick Look

11/15/2017

Jack Busbee

Paraeducator Board Meeting

Background

• Goal
• The purpose of this survey was to learn more about Washington state paraeducators and their career interests in education. We focused on the following three areas: (1) demographics, (2) determining awareness of professional development and teacher certification options, and (3) their interest in pursuing professional development and/or teacher certification.
• Duration and outreach
• October 2017
• Over 2,500 individuals were contacted in October, each three times
• These included HR directors, school district leaders, principals and administrators, ESDs, OSPI staff, unions, and stakeholders on the para board listserv

2

Responses

• Nearly 5,000 completed surveys submitted
• Paraeducators from 250 school districts
• Every ESD had a response
• Representation from over 25 unions (as noted by responses)

3

Demographics

4

Quick List

5

93%

Female

49

Average Age

$20,567 (annual)

$17.60 (hourly)

Average Salary

19%

Speak a Language other than English

Race/Ethnicity

6

Highest Level of School

7

Union Representation

8

Over 90% union representation

Paraeducator

Employment

9

Type of Paraeducator

Grade Level

10

Current Assignment

11

Placement

12

Satisfaction in Role

13

Over 72% of paraeducators

feel satisfied, or better,

working in their current role.

Professional

Development

14

Has the Para

received PD?

If yes, where?

Professional Development (PD)

15

Most recent PD received?

16

PD Bargained at District Level?

Paraeducator Paid for PD?

17

Availability of PD?

18

Primary Motivation

19

Primary Concern

20

If fully supported…

21

87%

would seek professional development.

Paraeducator

Board & Certificates

22

Quick List

23

71%

Don’t know about HB 1115

92%

Believe definition encompasses them

Interested in Paraeducator Certificates

24

Becoming a

Certified Teacher

​

25

Quick List

26

10%

Are pursuing

teacher certification

18%

Are doing through

alternative routes

46%

Are encouraged to pursue certification

58%

Are not interested to pursue certification

42%

Remain Para

37%

Retired or close

63%

Are not sure who to talk to about teacher certification

If fully supported…

27

37%

would seek teacher certification.

Closing Thoughts

• Close to 5,000 paraeducators completed the survey.
• There is overwhelming interest (almost 90%) in receiving professional development IF supported.
• Over 50% do work in special education.
• The Special Education Subject Matter Certificate received 45% interest.
• The Advanced Certificate received 55% interest.
• Close to half of paraeducators are interested in teacher certification.

28

Questions?

29